Located Northeast of the Okanagan, about 100 km (62 mi) from Kelowna, the glorious lake country of the Shuswap has a wonderfully warm climate and a distinctly friendly, laidback atmosphere. The name Shuswap comes from the Shuswap Aboriginal tribe, but today the name Shuswap is synonymous with houseboating as the lakes are overrun with fun-loving vacationers during the summer months. Who can blame them really—the refreshingly cool lakes are a great place to escape the scorching summer sun. The Shuswap consists of several interconnected lakes that together offer over 400 km (249 mi) of shoreline scattered with a number of picturesque provincial parks. Sicamous and Salmon Arm are the main urban centres in the Shuswap and each boasts first-class accommodation and dining facilities. The Shuswap also has several pleasantly small communities, including Enderby and Sorrento. For a change of pace, visit the R.J. Haney Heritage Park and Museum in Salmon Arm, a historic tribute to the Shuswap's past.